Gambling addiction is a type of impulse-control disorder which means that you can’t control the impulse to gamble, even when you know your gambling is hurting yourself or your loved ones.
The fact that you admit you have a problem is the first step to treatment and gambling addiction is treatable. It takes tremendous strength and courage to admit you have a problem and for that you should congratulate yourself. You must realise that overcoming gambling addiction will not be easy but don’t despair and don’t try to do it alone. Many others had this problem and have
been able to break the habit. You can make some lifestyle changes to help you stop your addiction.
Before you gamble you make a conscious decision to gamble and you then have the choice to make the decision not to gamble. You need to stop what you’re doing and call someone, think about theconsequences of your actions, tell yourself to stop thinking about gambling and find something else to do immediately.
I know that this is not as easy as it sounds but there are practical things that youcan do that will help to keep you from gambling.
In the first place you need money to gamble, so get rid of credit and debit cards, let someone else take charge of your money and keep limited amounts of cash on you. Schedule enjoyable recreational time that has nothing to do with gambling and spend time with family and friends. Casinos also offer helplines and support for people with gambling addictions.
